1 Sen. Lindsey Graham's Cause Of Death Revealed By Medical Examiner’s Office
Senator Lindsey Graham, the longtime South Carolina Republican and prominent voice on defense and foreign policy, has died at 71. His office said he passed away Saturday evening from what it called a brief and sudden illness, and asked for privacy for his family. Preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner listed the cause as an aortic dissection tied to heart disease. His death leaves Republicans down a vote in a narrow 53-47 Senate, and coupled with Mitch McConnell's extended medical absence, could complicate the party's agenda before the midterms. In the short term, Governor Henry McMaster will appoint someone to finish out Graham's term, which runs through January 3, 2027. Because Graham was up for reelection this year, his permanent replacement will be chosen by voters in the November 3 midterms. Under South Carolina code, filing for Republican candidates is expected to open on July 21 and close on July 28.
2 Sen. Mitch McConnell Releases Statement Saying He Had A "mild Case Of Pneumonia"
Senator Mitch McConnell has finally explained why he has been in the hospital since last month, saying he suffered a fall that briefly knocked him unconscious. In a written statement yesterday, the Kentucky Republican said doctors confirmed he did not break any bones or suffer a concussion, and that he did not have a heart attack, a stroke, tumors, or hemorrhages. He added that during his stay, he also had to deal with a mild case of pneumonia. The 84-year-old said he has been making progress and has moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility, but on his doctors' advice, he will not be returning to the Senate floor to vote just yet. He said the process is frustrating and takes time, but insisted he is still working with his legislative and Kentucky staff, and keeping in touch with colleagues on spending, midterm politics, and other business.
3 US Insists Strait Of Hormuz Is Open, Iran Says It's Not, Iran Threatens President Trump
President Trump threatened Iran on Saturday after the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei featured open calls for Trump's killing. Writing on his social media platform, Trump said a thousand missiles are aimed at Iran, with thousands more to follow, should the Iranian government act on its threat to assassinate him. He added that the U.S. military is ready to decimate and destroy all areas of Iran. Mourners at the funeral repeatedly held banners calling for Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be killed. Israel had reportedly warned the U.S. of a fresh, specific plot on Trump's life. The threats come as an interim deal to end the war unravels, with Iran now insisting the Strait of Hormuz is under its sole control, while the US insists it’s open for business.